Steal Like an Artist – 10 Creative Lessons Worth Copying

Durga Prasad
Jun 3
2 min read

Updated: Jun 8

✍️ Introduction

Every artist hears it: “That’s already been done.”To that, Austin Kleon says: “Good. Do it anyway—your way.”

In his bestselling book Steal Like an Artist, Kleon reminds us that nothing is truly original—and that’s exactly where creativity begins. It’s not about copying, it’s about transformation. In today’s visual post, I’ve distilled the book into 10 sketches—one for each of the 10 core ideas—to help you steal (and create) like an artist.

📖 The 10 Key Ideas – In My Lines & Words

🧠 1. Steal Like an Artist

Nothing is original. Everything is a remix.

Don’t just copy. Study, understand, transform. That’s stealing like an artist.

💬 2. Don’t Wait Until You Know Who You Are

Start before you're ready.

You become an artist by making art—not by waiting for permission.

📚 3. Write the Book You Want to Read

Create what you crave.

Your best work comes when you scratch your own creative itch.

🧰 4. Use Your Hands

Get analog before going digital.

Use scissors, glue, ink, clay—tactile creativity leads to deeper originality.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 5. Side Projects Are Golden

Follow your interests—even the weird ones.

“Don’t throw any part of yourself away.”

👥 6. Do Good Work and Share It

Make things. Then put them out there.

Let the world discover you while you're still discovering yourself.

🕵️ 7. Geography is No Longer a Limitation

The internet is your studio, gallery, and stage.

Create wherever you are. Share with the world.

🎭 8. Be Nice (The World is a Small Town)

Support other artists. Give feedback. Don’t burn bridges.

Kindness builds better communities than criticism ever could.

🔒 9. Be Boring (It’s the Secret to Doing Great Work)

Creativity needs structure.

Routine fuels brilliance. Be consistent, not chaotic.

⚰️ 10. Creativity is Subtraction

Constraints set you free.

Cut out the noise. Limit your palette. Let simplicity guide your genius.

💬 My Reflection

This book felt like a friend whispering in my ear:

“You're allowed to make art even if someone else already did it.”

We all begin by mimicking, tracing, emulating—but what makes it ours is the twist only we can give it. That’s what I tried capturing through my lines.

So, go ahead. Steal courageously. Create unapologetically. Share generously.